Robert J. "Fergie" Ferguson - FUHS 1949

Robert J. Ferguson "Fergie" passed away March 12, 2020 in his Fullerton home at the age of 88. Fergie first moved to Fullerton at the young age of two with his parents and sister from Arkansas. He attended Chapman Elementary, Wilshire Jr. High and Fullerton Union High School (FUHS) where he met his lifelong sweetheart Irene (Olson). Fergie was an outstanding athlete in both football and track. In 1948 his senior year, as team captain, he was the leading rusher in the US with 1,083 yards. After graduation he attended Fullerton Junior College from 1949 to 1951. As a freshman, he led the football team in scoring and rushing and was selected to Second Team All Eastern Conference. As a sophomore and Co-Captain, he lead the team in scoring and rushing and was selected to First Team All Eastern Conference. Ending his FJC career with 10 individual football records, two remaining today. His most notable, being a 109 yard kickoff return which stands in the national archives. In track, he was the teams leading point getter competing in multiple events. He was the Eastern Conference champion in long jump and runner-up in the pole vault. He received the Art Nunn Memorial Award which is given to the most inspirational athlete. While at FJC he and Irene were married on March 17, 1951. Recruited by Pepperdine, he continued participating in Football and Track setting a national pole vault record and a school record in the long jump. While at Pepperdine he was selected with a group of athletes from USC, UCLA, Cal and Stanford, to represent the USA and compete against the French Rugby League in France. He graduated Pepperdine with a BS degree. After graduation, he continued his education at USC graduating with a degree in Physical Therapy. With degrees in hand, he returned to Fullerton and established Fullerton Physical Therapy. He continued to practice for 40+ years retiring in 2002. During that time his practice donated countless hours supporting the FUHS and FJC athletic programs. His passions were playing golf and deep sea sportfishing. He was a charter member of Alta Vista Country Club. As a member of the Tuna Club, Laguna Niguel Billfish Club, and a lifelong member of the Balboa Angling Club, he fished tournaments worldwide. In 2007 Fergie and Irene we inducted into the FUHS Wall of Fame. In 2019 Fergie was inducted into the Fullerton College Athletic Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Irene; sons Rob Ferguson and James Ferguson, daughters Kelly Autera and Torry O'Connor, and spouses. As well as 10 grandchildren, their spouses and 16 great-grandchildren. In remembrance, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to . McAulay & Wallace Mortuary

Published in Orange County Register on Mar. 17, 2020